Gabriela Istoc, Alexander Robin Baker and David Butt Philip are all beneficiaries of the coveted Jerwood Foundation for emerging artists and working with Glyndebourne Festival Opera this year.
Their programme of operatic highlights in French, German, Russian and English demonstrated both their linguistic and acting ability.
To segue into the emotion of La Bohème, the drama of Tosca and the wit and fun of Mozart and Massenet in one hour at lunchtime (not to mention snippets from Verdi, Wagner, Finzi, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov) was, quite simply, heroic.
Soprano Gabriela Istoc, like her compatriot Angela Gheorghiu, is surely destined for greatness. Her powerful, supple voice – perfectly controlled and produced – was allied to a seductive stage presence.
Baritone Alexander Robin Baker will sound even better as he develops a strong, natural sound with maturity. For now, he has charisma.
David Butt Philip has a rounded and attractive lyrical tenor, not quite the heldentenor of Melchoir, nor the flowery excess of Pavarotti, but a rare and proper tenor nonetheless.
Duncan Williams, wondrous accompanist and vocal coach, was a more than equal partner.
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